The common fig (Ficus carica) is a small tree, native to southwest Asia. This edible fig is widely admired for its fruit and commercially grown in the United States in California, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. It also makes a great tree for the Southern landscape and fruits in southern climes in mid-July.

In the U.S., figs typically ripen from July through frost in the South, August and later as you travel north. In my personal case, I have way too many figs for my family to use and have to work at preventing waste. My advice to fig growers with an abundant fig crop is to be creative. Here are some suggestions:

• Eat as many fresh ripe figs as you can. They are delicious, nutritious and great as a breakfast fruit or morning snack.
• Can or preserve the fig fruit or prepare as a jam. Use these preserving tips from About Gardening Guide Marie Iannotti.
• Freeze the fig fruit and enjoy at anytime, in any recipe.
• Dry the fruit and package for future consumption.
• Share with friends and birds.

Ficus carica also has a very important history. It was one of the first plants ever to be cultivated by humans. Fossilized figs dating to 9400-9200 BC were found in an early Neolithic village in the Jordan Valley. About's Archaeology Guide, Kris Hirst says figs were domesticated "five thousand years earlier" than millet or wheat. This common fig has been very kind to us throughout human history.

• The History of the Domestication of Fig Trees

My Fig Tree in Montgomery, Alabama - Photo by Steve Nix, Licensed to About.com

Most of us accept the fact that there are trees around and, to the uninterested, all may pretty much look the same. This may be all you'll ever want to know about the botanical properties of trees. They have leaves and bark and roots and limbs, there are several in the yard, and it's time for lunch.

But the parts of a tree - leaves, flowers, bark, tree shape, and fruit - can all be very different depending on each tree species and you have to know this to identify a tree. Tree characteristics are unique to certain species, and in combination, can make quick work of identification. Just as parts can be used to identify individual tree species, other characteristics like colors, shapes, smells, and even taste will often help in the final naming of a particular tree.

But to be able to do this, you must have some knowledge of tree parts and characteristics which is a very important part of being able to identify it. I have prepared a review of all of these tree "markers" for both the alternate-leaved trees and the opposite-leaved trees to help start or refresh your knowledge of tree anatomy and identification. Knowing the name of a tree is a special treat when seeing a forest for the very first time by knowing its trees.

• A Quick and Easy Way to Identify 50 Common Native North American Trees

Live Oak on the Texas Capitol Grounds - Photo by Steve Nix, Licensed to About.com